Barker Dazzles With Engagement Proposal at Wembley

'Dazzling' Darren Barker has become engaged to long-term girlfriend Gemma Kao after proposing on the pitch at Wembley Stadium, one month before topping the bill in Betfair’s ‘London’s Finest’ show at the Wembley Arena on March 9, live on Sky Sports.

The middleweight star was at the national stadium on Tuesday for a publicity shoot ahead of his bout at the adjacent Arena and took the opportunity to get down on one knee.

The 30 year old had arranged with The FA to have a message displayed on Wembley's big screen reading 'Will you marry me Gemma? X' and his stunned partner said yes. The pair have been together for 12 years and Barker popped the question just in time for Valentine's Day.

“I proposed to my long-suffering girlfriend Gemma,” said Chelsea fanatic Barker. “She said yes so it was nice! They put it up on the big scoreboard, which was great. Roll on the stag do!”

An opponent for Barker's next fight, which tops a bill featuring a mouth-watering clash between Lee Purdy and Carson Jones, will be announced shortly. Tickets for Betfair’s ‘London’s Finest’, are on sale now priced £20, £30, £40, £60 and £80 from the Wembley Arena box office on 0844 815 0815 and www.wembleyarena.co.uk. VIP tickets priced £150 are available through Matchroom Boxing on 01277 359900 and at www.matchroomboxing.com.